Former AMA Head Says "Thank You" to Senator Joe Lieberman for his Strong Stand in Support of Patients and Against the Public Option

Spokesman for National Doctor Coalition Appreciates Senator`s Tough Political
Stand, but Right Stand for Patients
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Spokesman for the Coalition to Protect Patients` Rights and former head of the
American Medical Association, Dr. Donald Palmisano, thanked Connecticut Senator
Joe Lieberman for his support of Connecticut patients by opposing Sen. Reid`s
opt-out government-controlled public insurance option.

"On behalf of the Coalition`s more than 10,000 doctors, I want to personally
thank Senator Joe Lieberman for his courageous stand in support of patients and
against further government control of healthcare," Dr. Palmisano said. "Sen.
Lieberman`s stand will help ensure that patients continue to get access to the
world-class care they need."

"We have the best healthcare system in the world and if government attempts a
complete overhaul of our system - including a government-controlled public
option - it could lead to diminished quality of care for patients today and an
end to the medical miracles of tomorrow," Dr. Palmisano said.

The Coalition supports fixes to improve access to care like shielding patients
from being dropped by their insurance carrier for pre-existing conditions,
allowing individuals to keep their health coverage even when they change jobs,
and empowering patients to purchase insurance across state lines.

Last week, the Coalition to Protect Patients` Rights hosted a two-day Fly-In
that brought together more than 100 doctors from across the country to give
legislators and the American people a "Second Opinion" on healthcare reform.

About the Coalition to Protect Patients` Rights

The Coalition to Protect Patients` Rights is a non-partisan, grassroots
coalition made up of over 10,000 doctors, healthcare providers, advocacy groups,
and concerned citizens who are dedicated to the implementation of
patient-centered healthcare reform that will improve patient care. For more
information, visit the Coalition to Protect Patients` Rights website at
www.protectpatientsrights.org or via Twitter at http://twitter.com/patientsnow.

Coalition to Protect Patients` Rights
703-405-9407
media@protectpatientsrights.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009